Volunteer Opportunities

Certified Volunteer Advocate

Certified Volunteer Advocates for Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking are trained to provide prevention, education and outreach presentations; assist with legal advocacy and court accompaniment; provide peer support to survivors at Community Solutions’ confidential shelter; provide crisis-line support and provide in-person responses for survivors in crisis. Prior experience is not required. Volunteer Advocate opportunities are in Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister.

All Volunteer Advocates must complete our 70-hour Certification Training, which is offered twice each year (usually in the Spring & Summer) in Gilroy. Our next Advocate Training will be held: July 13, 2018 – August 11, 2018, every Friday (8:30AM – 5PM) & Saturday (8AM-4PM). Applications for this training are due by June 29, 2018.

Community Service Hours

Due to the confidential nature of our services, Community Solutions does not have drop-in volunteer hours available for youth and teens. However, to help high school students meet their school requirements for community service hours, we offer three options for projects students can plan and complete on their own. Click here to download a description of the projects. Prior to beginning a project, youth must contact us for project guidelines and pre-approval.

Community Solutions is not able to accommodate court-ordered community service hours.

Holiday Giving Program

Organized and implemented by volunteers, our Holiday Giving Program matches local donors, who provide food and gifts to families in need served by our agency. The volunteer committee meets year-round to coordinate the program. Additional volunteers are also appreciated in November and December to assist with short-term tasks, such as sorting and wrapping gifts and helping set up the distribution facility.

Special Event Committees

Our Special Event Committees help plan and implement various fundraising activities throughout the year including the Helping Hands & Healing Hearts Awards Luncheon in March, the Hearts of Gilroy Women’s Luncheon & Auction in May, and the Black, White & Bling Gala in November. Volunteers can be involved on an ongoing basis, or for specific events.

“ I don’t know where I’d be without the help of Community Solutions. It provides me with stability. It means having support and people who believe in me. [Today] I am going to school. I am respecting myself. I am appreciating myself more. ”

Melanie, age 19, FSP-TAY Program

“ I no longer feel alone. I know I have an entire community that is ready to support me if I need it in the future. ”

Marta, age 40, Solutions to Violence

“ There's a lot of good things happening here. And I'm living proof of that. Change is possible. ”

John, age 49, FSP Criminal Justice Services Program

“ My grandson and my entire family would not have made it through this trying time without you. We were so lost and you helped us through. ”